Preparing for a Successful School Year: Executive Functioning Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD

Starting or continuing high school can be a challenging transition for students with ADHD, but with the right tools and strategies, every student can succeed! As parents, you play a crucial role in helping your child develop executive functioning skills, which are essential for planning, organisation, and time management.

At REACH ADHD Coaching, we’re passionate about supporting students and families through this journey. Whether through one-on-one coaching or our High School Readiness Program, we’re here to help your child thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Helping your child develop executive functioning skills, which are essential for planning, organisation, and time management.

What Are Executive Functioning Skills, and Why Are They Important?

Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s management system, controlled by the prefrontal cortex. These skills include:

✔ Planning and prioritising tasks.

✔ Managing time effectively.

✔ Staying organised.

✔ Regulating emotions and attention.

For students with ADHD, these skills can be more challenging to develop. However, with guidance and practice, they can learn to navigate high school successfully.

Tips for Supporting Executive Functioning at Home

1. Establish Routines

Create a consistent daily routine to help your child feel secure and prepared. Include time for homework, breaks, meals, and downtime.

Pro Tip: Visual schedules or planners outline the day's tasks. Encourage your child to check off completed tasks for a sense of achievement.

2. Break Tasks Into Steps

Large assignments or projects can feel overwhelming. Help your child break them into smaller, manageable steps.

Example: If they have a science project due, break it into steps like research, outlining, and assembling materials.

3. Use Tools to Stay Organised

Equip your child with tools like:

✔ A school planner or digital calendar for tracking assignments and deadlines.

✔ A colour-coded system for subjects or priorities.

✔ Bins or folders for keeping school materials in order.

Pro Tip: Introduce time-blocking to allocate focused periods for specific tasks.

4. Encourage Emotional Regulation

Starting a new school year can trigger stress or anxiety. Teach your child simple strategies to manage these feelings, like deep breathing or grounding exercises.

Tip: Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance. Remind them that mistakes are part of learning and growth.

5. Practice Back-to-School Skills

In the weeks leading up to school, encourage your child to:

• Revisit their morning and evening routines.

• Practice packing their bag and organising materials.

• Review their schedule for the first week of school.